The decision to use permanent contraception in family planning is an important one. Understanding your options is important, whether you are certain you don’t want to have children anymore or you simply need a birth control method that will last a long time.
Permanent contraception is a highly effective method, but it also comes with a serious commitment. A guide to permanent contraception can help you navigate this decision by providing valuable insights into different methods, the potential benefits, and the risks involved. In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to make the best choice for your future.
10 Important Things About Permanent Contraception
After the birth of our third child, I decided to have my tubes tied. I learned a few things that surprised me. Here are 10 important things to consider if you’re thinking about tubal ligation for contraception.
1. Clip Your Tubes, Not Tie Them
Tubal ligation, also known as female sterilization or laparoscopy, is a type of female sterilization that prevents pregnancy. It involves abdominal keyhole surgery to seal your fallopian tube using heat or small clips. The sperm and eggs are prevented from reaching the uterus. Two incisions are made to reach your tubes (one at your belly button, the other in your lower abdomen). This means that anesthesia is needed, and a quick recovery is necessary. Sometimes, an overnight stay is required.
2. This is a Good Option For Women Who Are Having C-sections
Although invasive surgery is not appealing to everyone, it’s worth considering if you already have to be cut open for a c-section (as I did) or other operation. They can perform the procedure quickly while you are on the table. It is also much cheaper because there is no need for additional anesthesia or hospital time. As far as my recovery went, I didn’t experience anything more than the usual symptoms of a cesarean. For those who had tubal ligation performed separately, the most common side effects are nausea or abdominal pain for 24 hours. No intense exercise is recommended for a week.
3. You Still Get Your Period
Your tubes being tied does not make you infertile or stop your ovulation. It simply stops your eggs from fecundating with sperm. Contrary to some other contraceptives, your hormones are not affected, and your period continues as usual. This method does not cause menopause or alter your sexual drive or enjoyment.
4. It May Be More Effective Than Vasectomy
Many couples are arguing about who should ‘get fixed.’ However, according to some doctors, tubal ligation is more effective than a vasectomy. It is important to remember that tubal ligation is more invasive for a woman than it is for a man.
5. If Your Tubes Are Already Tied, You Can Still Do IVF.
If you change your mind, even though tubal ligation has been considered a permanent contraception method, you can still have a child via IVF. This is because you are still ovulating when you undergo IVF. Your eggs are then extracted and fertilized outside the body using your partner’s blood. The embryo will be implanted into your uterus.
6. Tubal Ligation is Reversible
You can sometimes reverse your tied tubes. However, the success rate of this is low. Only half of the women can get pregnant afterwards. The clipped tubes must be sewn together again with stitches. The scar tissue may also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo grows inside your fallopian tubes instead of in your uterus.
7. You can Still Become Pregnant in Rare Circumstances
Tubal ligation can be more than 99% successful in preventing pregnancy. However, it is possible that the fallopian tube can heal where they were cut or sealed. This can lead to the fertilization of eggs. This is very unlikely to happen (younger women tend to be more susceptible), and if it happens, there’s a greater chance of an ectopic birth.
8. You are Not Protected Against STIs
Despite being a good form of contraception like the pill or IUDs, tying your tubes won’t stop you from getting sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). If you are dating multiple people or new partners, use condoms.
9. Complications Can Occur
As with any major surgery, things can go wrong. Other risks, besides the rare chance of pregnancy or ectopic, include allergic reactions to the anesthetics, accidental perforation, or damage to organs like the uterus or the bowel, as well as pain, infection, or hemorrhaging.
10. Only Do It If You’re Sure.
My husband and I both decided that we were done having children, and I was also close to 40. Doctors will usually not recommend it to women who are young or haven’t yet had children. This is because you can change your mind at any time, especially if you start a new relationship. Reversal procedures or IVF are options to get pregnant after tubal ligation, but they don’t always guarantee a pregnancy. Be sure to do it only if you are 100% sure.
Tubal ligation is an effective way to prevent pregnancy. The procedure involves blocking, cutting, or sealing your tubes to prevent your eggs from being fertilized by your sperm. Tubal is the term used to refer to fallopian tubes. Ligation means to tie. Your fallopian tube is cut and then tied (sutured) with a special thread.
The reproductive system consists of your vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. They are located on either side of the uterus and extend towards your ovaries. The fallopian tubes receive the eggs from your ovaries and then transport them to your body. When the fallopian tube is closed, sperm cannot reach an egg, and an ovary can’t reach the sperm. You will not become pregnant.
It is also known as female sterilization, tubal sterilization, or female sterilization. This procedure is performed following vaginal birth or a Cesarean section, during another abdominal operation, or by itself. The tubal ligation is difficult to reverse, and it’s expensive. It also doesn’t protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
Why are Tubes Tied on People?
Tubal ligation can be considered a permanent form of birth control. About 99% of the time, it is effective at preventing pregnancy. Getting your tubes tied can be a convenient and safe method of contraception if you are sure that you do not want to become pregnant or get pregnant again. You can enjoy sex with no worries about getting pregnant.
Some conditions may require the removal of fallopian tubes. You may be recommended to undergo this procedure if your healthcare provider believes that you are at high risk of carrying a gene mutation ( BRCA), which is associated with Ovarian Cancer.
How do I know if I am ready for Tubal Ligation?
It is important to carefully consider your decision before undergoing sterilization. Although tubal ligation can be reversed by some women, it is a permanent procedure.
Uncertain people who still want to have children can choose reversible contraception such as pills for birth control, an intrauterine device (IUD), or barrier methods (such as a diaphragm).
You may want to consider a Vasectomy. This is a sterilization method that involves cutting the tube that carries sperm and tying it.
Is Having My Tubes Tied Considered a Major Operation?
Your surgeon’s method of performing a tubal tie will determine the outcome. Your doctor will decide the best course of action based on medical history and if you are having a tubal tie-up immediately after giving birth.
Laparoscopic tubal surgery is less invasive than traditional laparoscopy because the incision is smaller and the recovery time shorter. Mini-laparotomy, which is a slightly more invasive procedure than laparoscopy, is usually performed shortly after childbirth. Laparotomy is the most serious tubal ligation procedure because it requires a large abdominal incision.
How Can I Prepare For a Tubal Ligation?
You should consult your doctor before the procedure to discuss your decision. You should be aware of the risks associated with sterilization. Also, you need to understand how the procedure is performed and any instructions.
How is Tubal Ligation Performed?
Tubal ligation involves the cutting and tying of your fallopian tubes with a special thread. They can also be closed with clips or bands or sealed by an electric current. Three different methods are available:
Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation
Laparoscopy allows your healthcare provider to complete tubal ligation through two small incisions – one at the navel and one just above the public bone.
An intravenous (IV) line will first be placed in a vein on your arm or hand. The general sedative will be injected into the IV to relax your muscles during surgery and reduce pain.
Then, a small incision near your navel is made. Through this incision is passed a laparoscope (a thin tube the size of a pencil), and carbon dioxide is inflated into your abdomen to make it easier to see your organs.
They insert a surgical tool through a small second incision at the pubic hairline. The fallopian tube is located and sealed with a band or clip. Your healthcare provider may use electrocoagulation to seal your fallopian tube.
After sealing your fallopian tube, your provider will remove the laparoscope. They will then use dissolvable stitching to close your incisions.
Laparoscopic sterilization can be done at any time. Smaller incisions decrease recovery time and complications after surgery. You can usually leave the facility four hours after a laparoscopy.
Laparotomy
A laparotomy is a more complex surgery that may require a longer incision in the abdomen and a few days of hospital recovery. Your provider will make an incision of two to five inches in your abdomen and then pull your fallopian tube up through it. The tubes are then cut and sealed using rings, bands, or clamps. Your provider will then close your abdomen using stitches.
This is an open abdominal operation, so the recovery can take several months. This form of tubal surgery is generally considered to be outdated and invasive in comparison to modern methods, except after a C-section delivery. Your provider will use the same incision for both delivering your baby and performing tubal ligation.
Mini-Laparotomy (mini-lap) Tubal Ligation
A mini-laparotomy is a less invasive procedure than a laparotomy. This is why the term “mini” was coined. This type of tubal tie-up is usually done within 24 to 48 hours after a vaginal birth while you are already under epidural sedation. It can be done with spinal anesthesia if the epidural is not given during labour.
Your provider will locate your fallopian tube and uterus below your navel after you have given birth. If the provider does a mini-lap, it is made just above your pubic bone.
Your healthcare provider will locate your fallopian tube, lift it to the incision, and then close it using a special thread. Your provider can use clamps, rings, or bands if the procedure doesn’t involve childbirth. The incision is closed using stitches that dissolve.
Conclusion:
It’s important to carefully weigh your options when choosing permanent contraception. Understanding the risks and benefits of methods such as IUDs or implants is essential to choosing the best option for you. The most common and widely-used permanent contraception method is Tubal The fallopian tubes can be cut, sealed, or tied to prevent pregnancy.
Tubal ligation is effective but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). It’s also irreversible. Therefore, you should discuss it with your doctor. The right method for you will ultimately depend on your situation. However, with the correct information, it is possible to make an informed decision.
